Suppose John Henderson perpetrated the same kind of assault as he did on Andrew Whitworth on, let's say, Ben Roethlisberger or Peyton Manning. Does anyone believe the standard of discipline would be the same? In this case, Steelers and Colts owners, management, coaches, etc., would throw absolute conniptions if Henderson wasn't suspended and more heavily fined for trying to severely injure and potentially end the career of their franchise's most valuable player.

Quarterbacks are worth more dough than offensive linemen to an organization and occupy a much more visible place on a team, so I guess that means a different standard would apply when deciding on discipline. Just my theory, and it appears to be backed up by recent actions coming out of Goodell's office. If this is so, it is complete nonsense. All players at every position should hold the same value to the NFL when it comes to such matters.

It's apparent the NFL is all about the dough now, and it's apparent that realistic discipline does not exist.

What a crock. No suspension for Henderson? Guess it's OK to try to gouge a guy's eyeballs out. If this is what passes for discipline in the NFL, something needs to change. They are confused when they fine players with no flags thrown for a penalty, yet give the same penalty to the victim in a situation, who could have suffered a severe injury, as the guy who was trying to hurt him.

I have less and less faith by the day in the ability of Roger Goodell and the NFL to effectively govern this game.

ADDED -- 6:14 p.m. 11/7/08

According to a story on www.bengals.com, Whitworth's agent will appeal the fine. It sounds like Whitworth expected the fine, but not for Henderson to receive the same penalty as he did. I believe that is likely why they are appealing the fine. Just my observation.

I heard on 1530 Homer on the way home today that several other Bengals' players were fined for "being near the fight." I also heard that Henderson got another $5,000 tacked on for the "ilegal hands" to Whitworth's face. I'll be following up to verify these and put the information up here later.

So, if this is true, the NFL places a monetary value on Whitworth's eyes and does not send a message to other players that this type of behavior is not acceptable. Great, just great.

As this week goes by, I'm checking every day to see if word has come down from the NFL on penalties for Bengals offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth and Jaguars defensive tackle John Henderson, after the two locked up in the third quarter of last Sunday's game at Paul Brown Stadium.

Both likely will be fined for their actions after Henderson ripped off Whitworth's helmet, grabbed hold of Whitworth's head, then appeared to try to gouge Whitworth's eyes, prompting Whitworth to throw punches to defend himself.

Punches almost always bring an automatic fine. I'm not sure what results beyond fines the NFL review of the tape will bring, but I certainly hope League officials realize the danger Whitworth appeared to be in and take that into account when passing judgment on any suspensions. I could see Henderson getting a game or two out of it, and deservedly so. The League can use this as an opportunity to send a message that any such similar actions will be taken seriously.

Whitworth believed he had no choice but to defend himself, and he has stated he is willing to accept the consequences handed down by the League, a respectable stance to take.